Children examine a Hawk-moth

Moth recording is the foundation for protecting these beautiful and important animals.

Simply by noting down your sightings of moths, whether from kitchen window, back garden moth-trap or remote mountain top, you can make a real contribution to their conservation across the UK.

People have been studying moths in Britain for hundreds of years and moth recording is now more popular than ever. Butterfly Conservation offers many ways for people to get involved in this hugely enjoyable, stimulating and worthwhile activity.

Anyone can help - you do not need to be an expert. You can do as much or as little as you like and you can record any moth or caterpillar that you see.

You can get involved with the following projects for moth recording:

  • The National Moth Recording Scheme - our flagship recording scheme for recording all moth species anywhere in the UK, Isle of Man or Channel Islands.
  • Moth Night - organised by Atropos, Butterfly Conservation and the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Moth Night is the annual celebration of moths and moth recording. Record somewhere new, invite friends or organise a public event. 
  • Big Butterfly Count - a simple, online survey of butterflies and day-flying moths aimed at people with no previous experience of recording.